Animal trap

ABSTRACT

An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species. A diverter or barrier plate may be carried by the housing cover to extend into the space between the electrodes when the cover is closed, the lower edge of the barrier being spaced from the housing floor a limited distance to force a target animal to squeeze under the barrier as it passes to the second electrode making escape before electrocution difficult. This design may be utilized in combination with a spaced, upwardly extending diverter or barrier plate to block direct access to the pair of electrodes from the entrance opening. The effectiveness of an inclined plane trap assembly may also be enhanced by a plate carried by the cover which forces a target animal to stretch itself out before engaging the second electrode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to electric or electronic animal traps, andrelates more particularly to an animal trap adapted to catch andelectrocute a targeted animal simultaneously stepping on a pair ofspaced electrodes, with means designed to direct a targeted animalentering the trap housing into and through a pathway leading to a sourceof bait beyond the electrodes while minimizing the likelihood that theanimal will back out or escape from the trap before engaging theelectrodes, and while precluding accidental contact with the electrodesby a user, a pet or non-targeted animal that could inadvertently firethe trap.

Although the concepts of the instant invention are equally applicable totraps for animals of any size, devices of this type are primarilyutilized in connection with the trapping of rodents such as mice andrats and the description will, therefore, focus on this application.

2. The Prior Art

Animal traps have been around for hundreds of years and include manydifferent designs. Most common is the typical rodent snap trap thatutilizes a spring and a snapping bar to kill the target animal. Thesedesigns can be unpleasant to handle and pose a danger to the consumersetting the trap.

Due to these problems, many other types of animal traps, particularlyrodent traps, have been utilized. One alternative to the snap trap is touse electricity to kill the target animal. Traps of this nature aretypically easier to set and do not produce an unsightly result when theconsumer catches a rodent or the like. However, other issues such assafety and efficacy can be a concern. Professional pest controlcompanies have complained of possible dangers in using such traps;additionally, it is not uncommon for target animals to avoidelectrocution by backing out of the trap. Attempts to avoid theseproblems have been less than successful.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,091 to Johnson et al., a flexible plate ischarged with a base plate. When the pest enters the trap, the pestpresses the flexible plate into contact with the base plate. Thiscontact completes the circuit and a high voltage is applied to the pest.The problem with this type of device is that voltage only occurs whenthe pest makes contact with the flexible plate. When the pest isinitially shocked it may move and fail to receive sufficient voltage toexterminate it.

Johnson et at. U.S. Pat. No. 5,949,636 discloses a portable pestelectrocution device with a resistive switch to sense the presence of apest between a pair of electrodes. One of the electrodes is set at ahigh voltage and the other is set to ground. The ground electrode is aseparate stake shaped electrode which is placed physically in theground. When the pest enters the trap, contact is made, and a timerbegins for a set period of time. After timing out, the timer deactivatesthe power to the electrodes. A problem with this device is that aseparate ground stake is necessary. It is costly and cumbersome. If theuser forgets or misplaces the separate ground stake, the device does notwork correctly and thus will be useless.

The subject matter of the Johnson et al. patents is incorporated hereinin its entirety by reference.

Copending, commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,328 issued Aug. 26,2003 (the '328 patent), the subject matter of which is also incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety, overcomes many of the problemsassociated with the Johnson et al. patented products by providing anelectric or electronic trap of the inclined plane or teeter-totter typewherein the target animal entering the trap passes over the fulcrum of atilting floor or platform and closes a circuit initiating an electricalshock to kill the animal. While the '328 patent discloses improvedcircuitry for such an animal trap, the mechanical aspects of tiltingfloor traps, while effective, require significant design features toinsure the targeted animal does not escape before it engages theelectrodes and to preclude accidental engagement with the electrodes bya less sophisticated or curious person such as a young child.

Other prior art electric or electronic traps are particularlycomplicated and costly to manufacture making them poor candidates formass marketing. Deficiencies in their reliability and safety featureshave also minimized the commercialization of devices of this nature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of this invention is to provide an animal trap,particularly a mouse or rat trap, which will quickly and efficientlyelectrocute a targeted animal, is simple and inexpensive to manufactureand highly reliable and completely safe in use.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an inclined planeelectric or electronic animal trap such as disclosed in the '328 patentmodified to incorporate a diverter plate or the like making it difficultfor an animal stepping from an electrified platform which functions as afirst electrode to reverse direction as it contacts the second electrodeat the end of the platform.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electric or electronicanimal trap utilizing, if desired, the improved circuitry of the '161application, but modifying the mechanical structure of the device toeliminate the sometimes problematic operation and effectiveness of theinclined plane or tilting floor design disclosed in the '161application, and replacing the same with a fixed barrier or divertersystem that has no moving parts and, while minimizing or preventingescape of the animal, totally precludes the accidental simultaneousengagement of the electrodes and actuation of the circuitry by blockingthe pathway between the entrance opening and at least the secondelectrode to preclude the introduction of an extraneous element by aninexperienced or curious user.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a mouse or rat trapcomprising at least a pair of spaced, oppositely angled, barrierelements immediately within the entrance opening, diverting a targetanimal into a maze-like path as it passes into the trap because of itsinnate curiosity or to seek a quantity of bait, such as peanut butter orthe like, positioned beyond the electrodes. Once the animal passes thefirst barrier, it no longer sees the opening and is encouraged to simplymove forward, rather than to attempt to back out or escape from the trapbefore engaging and actuating the electronic circuitry. The same barriersystem that minimizes the likelihood of escape of the target animal alsobars the entry of a relatively straight element such as screwdriver or achild's finger that could accidentally close the circuit and injure thetrap user and/or damage the trap.

A further object of this invention is to provide a trap of the typedescribed either with the angled diverters or the inclined plane, butincorporating a plate or the like extending downwardly from the housingcover intermediate the spaced electrodes that provides limited spacebetween its lower edge and the floor of the housing to force a targetanimal to squeeze thereunder making it more difficult for the animal toreverse itself when it contacts the second electrode.

A still further object of this invention is to incorporate a pair ofcooperating diverters or barriers, one extending partway down to thefloor from the cover and the other extending partway up from the floortoward the cover which together block direct access to the electrodes bya straight element inserted through the entrance opening.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that the instant invention provides anelectric or electronic animal trap which, in all embodiments, is highlyefficient and reliable, providing excellent protection againstinadvertent or accidental damage to the user of the trap or the trapitself.

Other and further objects of this invention will be readily understoodby those with ordinary skill in the art with particular reference to thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments incombination with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a general housing design for the variousembodiments of trap assemblies according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the base of one preferred embodiment of ananimal trap according to the instant inventive concepts with the coverand electronic components removed for illustrative clarity;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the trap housing base of the embodimentof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the trap housing base of the embodimentof FIG. 2 from another angle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a modified cover for a trap housingaccording to this invention carrying a diverter or barrier which extendsinto the trap intermediate the spaced electrodes when the cover isclosed;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a trap similar to the embodiment of FIG.2, but with a modified cover such as seen in FIG. 5 in a partiallyclosed position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of animal trapaccording to this invention incorporating a cover such as seen in FIG.5, but replacing the angled barriers of the embodiment of FIG. 2 with adiverter or barrier extending upwardly from the floor toward the coverintermediate the entrance opening and the downwardly extending platecarried by the cover;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the trap of FIG. 7 from another angle;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of animal trap accordingto this invention including an inclined plane trap assembly of the typeseen in the '161 application in combination with a unique cover such asseen in FIG. 5 to minimize the possibility that a target animal willreverse itself before being electrocuted; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the trap of FIG. 9 from another angle.

Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the severalviews of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in thedrawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

A housing for the various trap embodiments of this invention isillustrated at 20 in FIG. 1 and can be formed of plastic, metal or othersuitable material. The housing 20 includes a base 25 and a simple cover30 hingedly secured thereto in a well known manner. The base 25 isdivided longitudinally by a separator 35 to provide compartments on oneside for reception of the electronic circuitry (not shown) at 40 andbatteries (not shown) at 45. The specifics of the electronic circuitryand energizing source are not critical to the instant inventive conceptsand the '328 patent may be referred to for preferred embodiments whichmay be useful in the traps of this invention. However, it is to beunderstood that other circuitry may be substituted therefore withoutdeparting from the instant inventive concepts and, additionally, as analternative to the use of batteries, appropriate means can be includedto energize the trap from an a-c source or even an external d-c source.Additionally, as disclosed in the '328 patent, a pair of contacts (notshown) can be incorporated in the base 25 and cover 30 so that when thecover 30 is lifted to access the interior of the base 25, the circuit isbroken to preclude injury to the user.

One form of two-diverter trap according to this invention is illustratedin FIGS. 2-4 and includes a pair of spaced charge plates or electrodes50, 52 located in the “killing” chamber 55 and electrically connected ina well-known manner to the electronic circuitry so that contact withboth charge plates simultaneously by a target animal will actuate anelectronic charge to effectively kill the animal. A principle feature ofthis embodiment of the instant invention is the mechanism by which ananimal entering the trap is directed along a tortuous path or maze tomake contact with the charge plates 50, 52. In this respect, a pathwayis defined between the side wall 26 of the housing base 25 and theseparator 35 from the trap opening entrance 60 to a bait receivinglocation 65, with the charge plates 50, 52 interposed in this path.Openings such as 26′ in the side wall, or elsewhere such as the openings30 a′ seen in the cover of FIGS. 5 and 6, may be provided to permit theodor of bait, if any, to exude to the atmosphere and attract the animalto the trap.

In lieu of the tilting platform trapping mechanism of the '161application, this embodiment of the instant invention substitutes atleast two fixed barriers or diverter members 70, 75 positioned betweenthe opening 60 and the killing chamber 55. The diverter 70 has one end72 fixed to the side wall 26 of the base 25, and extends atapproximately a 45° angle toward the killing chamber, with the end 74stopping short of the separator 35 to define a space “a” therebetweenfor passage of an animal. The second diverter 75 has one end 76 fixed tothe separator 35, and extends at approximately an oppositely directed45° angle toward the killing chamber, with its second end 78 spaced fromthe side wall 26 by a distance “b”, again sufficient for an animal topass through. Each of the diverters 70, 75 extend upwardly at leastsubstantially the full height of the side walls of the housing 25 so asto preclude an animal passing over the tops thereof when the cover 30 isclosed.

As will be seen best in FIG. 2, the end or edge portions 74 of the firstdiverter 70 and the end or edge portions 78 of the second diverter 75overlap so that an animal entering the trap opening 60 does not have aclear view along the pathway, but must pass through a “maze” formed at“a” and “b” to reach the bait 65. Since mice and other such smallanimals are curious and attracted to dark spaces, the pathway from theopening 60 will entice them into the trap housing, whether a bait ispresent or not. However, placement of a quantity of odoriferous materialsuch as peanut butter at the end 65 of the pathway will further attractthe animal into the killing chamber 55.

Once the animal passes the first diverter 70 on its way to the space“b”, it no longer has a clear view of the opening 60 behind it and isdiscouraged from reversing its direction. Thus, as the animal progressesalong the pathway from the opening 60, through the spaces “a” and “b”toward the bait-receiving area 65, it will step onto the charge plates50, 52, which are slightly spaced apart, but close enough that theanimal must contact both plates simultaneously before reaching the baitat 65. Upon doing so, the circuit will be closed by the animal's bodyand an electrical charge will kill the animal. The barrier 75 also actsas a blocking mechanism inhibiting the animal from retreating fromcontact with the charge plates 50, 52 after the initial shock, insuringcontinued contact until the animal is electrocuted. The cover 30 canthen be opened to break the circuit and dispose of the animal, followingwhich the trap can be reused in an obvious manner.

Although only two barriers or diverters are shown at 70, 75 and for allpractical purposes, this is sufficient to effect both the maze-likepathway and to protect against accidental contact with both of thecharge plates 50, 52, from a straight element such as a screwdriver orthe like (not shown), additional barriers can be included to render thepath even more tortuous without diverging from the instant inventiveconcepts.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a modified trap incorporating a thirdbarrier is illustrated. In this trap, parts similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4 are designated by the same reference numeral followed by thesuffix “a”.

For all intents and purposes, the base 25 a of the trap 20 a isidentical to the base 25 of the trap 20. However, the cover 30 a of thetrap 20 a differs from the cover 30 of the trap 20 in having affixed tothe underside thereof a third diverter or barrier 80 which is positionedalong the length of the cover 30 a to extend into the space between theelectrodes 50, 52 when the cover 30 a is pivoted to its closed position.The height “h” of the barrier 80 is less than the height “h′” of theside walls of the housing 25 a to provide a limited space between thelower edge 80′ of the barrier 80 and the floor of the base 25 a to forcea target animal to squeeze under the barrier 80 as it moves toward thebait. Thus, at the time the animal's front paws engage the secondelectrode and energize the electrocuting circuit, its body is extendedand contorted such that withdrawal from contact with the electrodes isrendered more difficult.

Although the diverter 80 is preferably carried by an openable cover, itcould be carried by a fixed cover if access to the chamber for disposingof the electrocuted carcasses is provided elsewhere, or, for thatmatter, it could be fixed to the sides of the pathway. While it isevident that a diverter such 80 is best used in conjunction with theangled diverters as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it has independent utilityin minimizing escape from an electric or electronic trap of otherconstructions. See, for example, the discussion below of the embodimentsof FIGS. 7 and 8 and FIGS. 9 and 10.

The two-diverter trap shown in FIGS. 2-4 of the drawings was tested bothwith the diverters illustrated and without diverters. Additionally,traps containing a third diverter as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 were tested.The tests were conducted on both male and female wild Mus Musclus, thehouse mouse, of varying size and age. Mice were collected from wildpopulations on farms and adjusted in the laboratory for two to threeweeks before being used in the tests.

Five field mice were placed in an arena measuring 4×8×3 ft (width bylength by height). Within the arena, a shelter containing shredded papertowels was placed at one end. On the opposite end of the arena, a food(Purina lab chow) and water source were placed. The 5 mice were thenallowed to acclimate for a period of 8 hours within this arena. Duringthis period, the lights were left “on” to simulate daytime. At the endof this period, the corresponding test traps were placed into the arenafor a period of approximately 16 hours. All traps were baited withcreamy peanut butter (Shur-Fine brand). During this time, the lightswere turned “off” to simulate nighttime. Five traps were placed in eacharena with each arena considered a replication. Three arenas were usedduring each testing period.

The traps were evaluated based on three criteria: (1) Kill rate (thenumber of mice killed divided by total number of traps); (2) Escape rate(where the mouse has triggered the trap but was not killed); and (3)Interaction (the total number visited by mice resulting in either a killor escape).

Sample t-tests were used to determine the significant differencesbetween the traps with and without diverters (Windows 2000, Excel,Microsoft Corporation).

Kill Rate: The traps with two and three diverters had mean kill rates of83.4% and 100%, respectively, compared to 43.4% for traps withoutdiverters. When analyzed using a t-test at 95% probability, the killrate of the traps with two and three diverters was significantly greaterthan the traps with no diverters. (See Tables 1-3)

Escape: The traps with two and three diverters had mean escape rates of3.33% and 0%, respectively, compared to 53.33% for the trap withoutdiverters. When analyzed using a t-test at 95% probability, the trapswithout diverters had a significantly higher escape rate compared to thetraps with two and three diverters. (See Tables 1-3)

Interaction: The traps with two and three diverters had mean interactionrates of 86.67% and 90%, respectively, compared to 96.67% for the trapwithout diverters. When analyzed using a t-test at 95% probability, theinteraction was not significantly different. (See Tables 1-3)

The traps were identical to each other with the exception of the two andthree diverters, yet the trap with the diverters performed significantlybetter, killing more mice with fewer escapes without significantlyreducing interaction.

Although not wishing to be bound by an explanation of these results,there are two theories for why the diverters reduce the escape rate.First, as the mouse is moving through the trap without diverters, itmoves slowly. When it touches the second plate and gets shocked, it isable to back off. In the trap with diverters, the second diverter actsas a barrier, preventing the mouse from retreating. In one instance,there was fur observed on one of the diverters of the trap that had anescape, indicating that the barrier did interfere with the retreat ofthe mouse.

The second theory is based on the space in the trap. The divertersrestrict the movement of the mouse until it gets close to the secondplate and peanut butter. At this point, the trap opens up to the entirewidth of the tunnel. It is believed that the mouse is more tentative inthe confined space in the diverter areas, but once it sees the openspace and the peanut butter, it is more willing to commit. With more ofthe momentum of the mouse going forward, it is less likely for it toretreat once the shock is triggered.

Finally, traps with three diverters had an even greater kill rate andlower escape rate. Results have shown in these tests that mice not onlymove back away from the electric plates after being shocked, but alsomove up. Traps with a third diverter prevent the mouse from jumping inthis upward direction to escape. In fact, dead mice removed from thesetraps after being shocked have indentations on their back from hittingthe third diverter.

In conclusion, both traps with two and three diverters are significantlybetter in controlling mouse populations than traps without diverters.Mice have an instinctive behavior to avoid being shocked, however, thisbehavior can be predicted and prevented through the use of diverters inthe trap design.

Regardless of the theory, the results are self-evident from the databelow:

TABLE 1 Electronic Mouse Trap with Two Diverters Percent Kill # MiceKilled/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 5 6 Killed Per Rep SDMortality 5 4 3 4 4 5 25 4.17 0.75 83.33 Percent Interaction # MiceInteracted/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 5 6 Interaction PerRep SD Interaction 5 4 3 5 4 5 26 4.33 0.82 86.67 Percent Escape # MiceEscaped/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 5 6 Escapes Per Rep SDEscape 1 3 2 4 2 4 16 2.67 1.21 3.33

TABLE 2 Electronic Mouse Trap with Three Diverters Percent Kill # MiceKilled/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 Killed Per Rep SDMortality 5  3* 5 5 15 5.00 0.00 100 Percent Interaction # MiceInteracted/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 Interaction Per RepSD Interaction 5  3* 5 5 15 5.00 0.00 100 Percent Escape # MiceEscaped/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 Escapes Per Rep SDEscape 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0 *Two mice escaped from test arena.

TABLE 3 Electronic Mouse Trap without Diverters Percent Kill # MiceKilled/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 5 6 Killed Per Rep SDMortality 4 2 3 0 3 1 13 2.17 1.47 43.33 Percent Interaction # MiceInteracted/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 5 6 Interaction PerRep SD Interaction 5 5 5 4 5 5 29 4.38 0.41 96.67 Percent Escape # MiceEscaped/Rep (5 mice per Rep) Total AVE % 1 2 3 4 5 6 Escapes Per Rep SDEscape 1 3 2 4 2 4 16 2.67 1.21 53.33

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8, where yet another embodiment ofthe instant invention is illustrated, with parts similar to those of theprevious embodiments being designated by the same reference numeralfollowed by the suffix “b”.

Again, for all intents and purposes, the base 25 b of the trap 20 b isidentical to the base 25 of the trap 20 or the base 25 a of the trap 20a, with the exception that the angled diverters have been eliminated. Inthis embodiment, the cover 30 b is identical to the cover 30 a andincludes a downwardly extending plate or barrier 80 b positioned alongits length to fit in the space between the electrodes 50B, 52 b when thecover 30 b is pivoted to its closed position. Additionally, the trap 20b includes an upwardly extending plate or barrier 82 interposed betweenthe entrance opening 60 b and the downwardly depending plate 80 b. Theheight of each of the plates 80 b, 82 is less than the height h′ of theside walls of the housing 25 b to provide a limited space over the upperedge 82′ of the plate 82 and under the lower edge 80 b′ of the plate 80b for the target animal to pass. According to a preferred feature ofthis invention, the upper edge 82′ of the plate 82 is spaced from thefloor of the housing 25 b by a distance greater than the distance fromthe lower edge 80 b′ of the plate 80 b whereby the plates 80 b, 82together define a barrier blocking simultaneous access to the electrodes50 b, 52 b from a straight element passing through the entrance opening60 b.

Thus, with this embodiment, the limited space between the downwardlydepending plate 80 b and the floor of the housing 25 b forces the targetanimal to squeeze thereunder making it almost impossible for the animalto pull back once its front paws have contacted the second electrode 52b. The upwardly extending plate 82 also functions to discourage a targetanimal from reversing its path because of the difficulty in squeezingback through the space between the upper edge 82′ of the plate. 82 andthe undersurface of the cover 30 b.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 is included to illustrate that, even ifan inclined plane or tilting platform assembly is incorporated in a trapaccording to the instant invention, the inclusion of a cover of the typeseen in FIG. 5, including a downwardly extending plate which ispositioned intermediate the electrode members when the cover is dosed,enhances the effectiveness of the trap by minimizing the likelihood thatthe target animal can back away from the second electrode before it iselectrocuted. In this embodiment, parts similar to the previousembodiments are designated by the same reference numeral followed by thesuffix “c”. For all intents and purposes, the trap, 20 c is very similarto the trap 20 a of FIGS. 5 and 6, with the exception that an inclinedplane or tilting platform assembly 100 is incorporated adjacent theentrance opening 60 c. The manner in which the tilting platform orinclined plane assembly 100 operates is well known. Reference may be hadto the '161 application for further details. As shown, the inclinedplane trap assembly 100 includes a platform element 102 having a firstend portion 104 juxtaposed to the entrance opening 60 c and a second endportion 106 juxtaposed to the second electrode 52 c. A pivot element(not shown) underlies and supports the platform element 102 intermediateits end portions 104, 106 for tilting movement of the platform element102 in a well known manner between a first position in which the firstend portion 104 is lowered and the second end portion 106 is raised, anda second position in which the first end portion 104 is raised and thesecond end portion 106 is lowered. A door member 108 is hinged at itslower edge 108′ adjacent to the entrance opening 60 c for pivotalmovement between a lowered position in which the door member 108 restson the first end portion 104 of the platform element 102 when theplatform element is in its first position to provide access to thepassageway by a target animal through the entrance opening 60 c, and araised position in which the door member 108 is lifted by upwardmovement of the first end portion 104 of the platform element 102 whenthe platform element 102 is moved from its first position to its secondposition. The door member 108 is biased toward its lowered positionunder the force of gravity, the weight of the door member 108 on thefirst end portion 104 of the platform element 102 when the door member108 is in its lowered position normally maintaining the platform element102 in its first position. However, the weight of a target animal on thesecond end portion 106 of the platform element 102 tilts the platformelement 102 to its second position when the target animal passes fromthe entrance opening 60 c beyond the pivot element thereby lifting thedoor member 108 to its raised position, blocking escape through theentrance opening 60 c by a target animal on the platform element 102.

In the embodiment shown, the platform element 102 is connected to thecircuitry (not shown) to electrify the same to function as a firstelectrode. An insulator 110 in the form of a plastic or rubber elementunderlies the second end portion 106 of the platform element 102 so thatthe target animal is only shocked when its rear paws are on the platformelement 102 and its front paws are on the second electrode 52 c. In thisembodiment, the platform element 102, in either of its positions, blockssimultaneous contact with both of the electrodes by a straight elementpassing through the entrance opening 60 c.

When the cover 30 c is closed, the downwardly depending plate 80 c isinterposed between the end portion 106 of the platform element 102 andthe second electrode 52 c, forcing 2 target animal to squeeze under thelower edge 80 c′ of the plate 80 c in its attempt to get to the bait. Indoing so, it must then step on the second electrode 52 c and, for allintents and purposes, is precluded from pulling back before thecircuitry is closed by the animal's body and the animal is electrocuted.

Thus, it will be seen that, even if a tilting platform or inclined planetrap is desired, the incorporation of the downwardly depending diverteror barrier plate carried by the trap housing cover as seen in theembodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 adds further advantages in both minimizingthe likelihood of escape by a target animal before electrocution and,additionally, by cooperating with the platform element to make itvirtually impossible for a screwdriver or a child's finger insertedthrough the entrance opening 60 c to simultaneously contact both theplatform element or first electrode 102 and the second electrode 52 c.

In summary, in each of the embodiments of this invention, at least onediverter member is interposed in the pathway from the entrance openingalong the interior of the housing to the second electrodes to discouragea target animal approaching the second electrode from reversingdirection. Additionally, at least one barrier member is provided toblock simultaneous contact with both of the electrodes by a straightelement passing through the entrance opening. For the embodiments ofFIGS. 2-8, there are literally no moving mechanical parts other than thecover so that the animal trap is inexpensive to manufacture, easy tomaintain and highly effective in operation. Moreover, even with aninclined plane trap, the extra barrier plate enhances its effectiveness.

The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. As noted, theinvention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is notlimited by the dimensions of the preferred embodiment. Numerousapplications of the present invention will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, it is not desired to limit the inventionto the preferred embodiments or the exact construction and operationshown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, failing within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An animal trap comprising a housing including abase having a floor and side walls and defining an interior chamber, anda cover for said chamber, an entrance opening communicating with saidchamber, a pathway leading from said entrance opening along the interiorof said housing, first and second spaced electrodes interposed in saidpathway and circuitry electrically connected to said electrodes toinitiate an electrical shock when said electrodes are simultaneouslycontacted by a target animal, said first and second electrodes eachhaving a leading edge closer to said entrance opening and a trailingedge further from said entrance opening, said leading edge of saidsecond electrode being spaced along said pathway from said trailing edgeof said electrode, at least one diverter interposed in said pathwayintermediate said entrance opening and at least said leading edge ofsaid second electrode to discourage a target animal approaching saidsecond electrode from reversing direction, and at least one barrierblocking simultaneous contact with both of said electrodes by a straightelement passing through said entrance opening.
 2. The animal trap ofclaim 1, further including a bait-receiving location at an end of saidpathway remote from said entrance opening.
 3. The animal trap of claim2, further including apertures through portions of said housing topermit the odor of bait to exude to the atmosphere from saidbait-receiving location.
 4. The animal trap of claim 1, including atleast first and second diverter members interposed in spaced, relationin said pathway intermediate said entrance opening and at least saidsecond electrode, said first and second diverter members togetherblocking visual access to said entrance opening by a target animalpassing thereby to discourage the target animal from reversingdirection, and said first and second diverter members together definingsaid barrier blocking simultaneous access to said electrodes by astraight element passing through said entrance opening.
 5. The animaltrap of claim 4, wherein said first diverter member is juxtaposed tosaid entrance opening and directs a target animal in a first-angleddirection along said pathway, and said second diverter member redirectsthe target animal in a second direction angled to said first directionalong said pathway.
 6. The animal trap of claim 5 wherein each of saidfirst and second diverter members include a free edge portion aboutwhich a target animal must pass, and said free edge portions of saidfirst and second diverter members are on opposite sides of any straightline from said entrance opening to at least said second electrode. 7.The animal trap of claim 6, wherein said diverter members extendsubstantially the full height of said chamber between said floor of saidhousing and said cover when said cover is closed.
 8. The animal trap ofclaim 6, wherein said pathway is defined by spaced walls of saidhousing, said first diverter member having a first end fixed to a firstwall defining said pathway and a second end including said free edgeportions spaced from a second wall defining said pathway and extendingat a first angle from its first end to its second end, said seconddiverter member having a first end fixed to said second wall and asecond end including said free edge portions spaced from said first walland extending at a second angle from its first end to its second end,said second end of said first diverter member and said second end ofsaid second diverter member each extending past a longitudinallyextending midpoint of said pathway to block direct access from saidentrance opening to at least said second electrode.
 9. The animal trapof claim 8, wherein said first diverter member extends at approximatelya 45° angle relative to said first wall and said second diverter memberextends at approximately an opposite 45° angle to said second wall.